The Story:
African Elephant – South Luangwa national park, Zambia.
This lone young bull elephant was quietly feeding in one of the small pans close to the luangwa river. It was March, so the landscape was still lush and green from the recent rainy season.
As we sat and watched him, he very slowly wondered very close to us, it gave me the chance to capture an intimate portrait of him, focusing on the incredible details of the cracks and wrinkles that make up his skin.
Showing just enough for it to be recognisable as an elephant, but with an abstract edge.
Why Elephants Need Your Help:
It is well known and documented that elephants are in trouble. Poaching for the international ivory trade and habitat loss is bringing this species to their knees. The latest report on African elephant numbers conducted in 2016 painted a bleak picture, just 415,000 remained on the continent and their numbers had plummeted by 100,000 in the space of the previous decade, with many estimates suggesting the annual rate of decline had increased during that time. As recently as March 2021 the IUCN red list was updated for African elephants, they were recognised and assessed as 2 separate species for the first time – the more well known African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) was upgraded to Endangered and the rarer African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) listed as Critically Endangered.
Whilst the picture is certainly bleak there are opportunities for hope and optimism that it is possible to help this species and many others. An organisation that is helping in some of the most vulnerable parts of Africa, and protects both species of Elephant is the African Parks Network. A non-profit conservation organisation, that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. I have seen first hand their incredible work in Zakouma National Park in Chad. Zakouma’s elephants had been ravaged by poachers between 2002-2010. Durning this 8-year period, 4000 elephants (95% of the population) were slaughtered for their ivory. In 2010 African Parks signed an agreement with the Chadian Government and got to work to change the fortunes of this incredible place and it’s wildlife and people. In the last 11 years only 24 elephants have been known to have been poached and none have been poached since 2016!! After years of trauma the elephants have found safety and resumed breeding, the population is increasing and the future for them, all the wildlife, as well as the communities around Zakouma, who had also been terrorised by the armed rebels who desecrated their elephants, is brighter and filled with hope and possibility.
By purchasing this print, you can support incredible stories like the tale of Zakouma. I will donate 20% of the profit from every sale to African Parks to assist them in their incredible work to protect and rebuild the lives and livelihoods of some of Africa’s most vulnerable people and wildlife. If you would like to find out more about African Parks or support them directly, you can visit their website here: https://www.africanparks.org
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Instead of offering bulk mass-produced prints, I want you to know that you are buying something special and unique. I feel that people should purchase fine art photography prints because the artwork speaks to them and they feel an emotional connection to the print and the photographer. All my prints are strictly available as low number limited edition runs. As a limited edition print sells its price will appreciate accordingly in the online store, as fewer remain available to purchase.
Printed on Aluminium using the Chromaluxe process. It offers a unique, sleek contemporary finish. It has a sub-frame which allows the image to be mounted directly to the wall, thus achieving a flawless floating effect, without the need for additional framing.
Should you wish to purchase a limited edition print in a different size to that listed, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for the cost to produce the print in your desired size. I am also happy to provide quotes for printing onto Archival Grade Fine Art Papers and Framing if you would like to have your print printed and framed in a more traditional way.
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